On Monday the U.S. Naval ship USNS Rappahannock fired shots at a smaller vessel that apparently disregarded at least one warning shot and several attempts to get the vessel to halt its approach. The USNS Rappahannock is a civilian operated oil tanker that is responsible for supplying fuel to Navy vessels.

According to preliminary reports the US Naval ship operated according to standard protocol in attempting to alert the ship and stop their approach. When the smaller vessel was 1,200 feet from the Rappahannock, it responded by firing off one warning shot. When the smaller vessel failed to heed that warning a decision was made to disable the vessel. In a statement from the Navy, prior to firing the disabling shots, other non-lethal methods were attempted to stop the further approach of the smaller vessel.

This incident took place near Jebel Ali, a port area 35 miles south west of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. After the incident, dozens of officials from the police and the United Arab Emirate surrounded the smaller vessel. The smaller vessel has been described as a small, white pleasure craft with three outboard motors. According to officials investigating, speaking strictly under conditions of anonymity, one person was killed and three others injured in this event.

The United Arab Emirate is considered an ally of the United States, and this particular port, Jebel Ali, is a frequent resting stop for sailors. Incidents in which speed boats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard pass too close to Naval ships have been of concern to officials in Washington. In 2008, 5 small Iranian vessels passed close to another Naval ship, the USS Hopper, and this raised concerns with then president Bush. Bush called this a “provocative act” on the part of Iran.

The US Navy has recently beefed up security in the Gulf, incorporating more minesweepers and other military warships. This is being done in response to the threat by Iran to close off the Strait of Hormuz. This particular strait provides a passageway for one-fifth of the world’s oil. This threat was made in response to a call for tougher sanctions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

This incident is still under investigation and officials are not revealing any more information. The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi has referred all inquiries to the US Navy and its officials.

December 7th 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 by the Empire of Japan. At precisely 7.55am, the Empire of Japan executed a surprise air attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, which killed 2,402 Americans, and wounded 1,282. Within 2 hours the attack had effectively destroyed half of the entire United States Navy, but unified our great nation in common purpose to declare war against the Empire of Japan. NavyHandbook.org salutes all of the brave sailors who fought at Pearl Harbor. It is with great reverence that we honor and remember those who were killed in the attack, those injured in the attack, and the survivors.

This attack came without provocation, without warning, without the Empire of Japan having declared war on the United States of America, and at time in which peace negotiations were ongoing.

The USS Arizona sinking after sustaining extensive damage in the Attack on Pearl Harbor

In total, 8 battleships were either sunk or seriously damaged. Nearly half the casualties were on the USS Arizona, when a bomb detonated the ship’s munitions depot, killing 1,177 of the 1,400 member crew. When the attack was over, a total of 20 ships were sunk or seriously damaged, and 164 aircraft were destroyed.

Declaration of War

“A date which will live in infamy”

The following day, President Roosevelt addressed Congress, calling December 7th “A date which will live in infamy,” and the attack “unprovoked and dastardly.” 33 minutes after his speech, the US declared war on Japan. This was a turning point in World War II – isolationism was now over. 3 days later, Hitler declared war on the United States, probably his greatest error. This ensured that the US would now join the war in Europe, changing the course of history, and ultimately leading to Germany’s defeat.

The USS California sinking from damage sustained during the Attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremonies

The few remaining survivors of the attack will lead commemorations of the 70th anniversary. 120 veterans will join Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and military leaders at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the entrance to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, as a moment of silence is observed at the exact time that the attack started. The US Navy destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) will render honors to the USS Arizona, after which F22 jets from the Hawaii Air National Guard will fly overhead in the ‘missing man’ formation. More than 3,000 guests will attend the event, at a site that overlooks where the USS Arizona sank during the bombing, including 7 survivors of that battleship’s crew. US flags will be flown at half mast on federal buildings around the country, marking National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

This week, five survivors of the attack, who have since died, will have their ashes scattered at Pearl harbor, rejoining their fallen shipmates. On Tuesday, Navy Divers took an urn holding the ashes of 90 year old Lee Soucy down to the USS Utah, the ship he was serving on that day 70 years ago. In a sunset ceremony, the ashes of Vernon Olsen will be interred on the USS Arizona.

Pearl Harbor Survivors

With time, the number of survivors of Pearl Harbor lessens. The Star-Advertiser of Hawaii wrote today: “There were 60,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who served in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. The Pearl Harbor Association…now down to 2,700 members, has decided to end the organization on Dec. 31 as a corporation, but to keep social events going as long as it can.” Source: Hawaii Star Advertiser

President Obama’s Statement

In a statement, President Obama said, “On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the more than 3,500 Americans killed or wounded during that deadly attack and pay tribute to the heroes whose courage ensured our Nation would recover from this vicious blow. Their tenacity helped define the Greatest Generation and their valor fortified all who served during World War II. As a Nation, we look to December 7th, 1941, to draw strength from the example set by these patriots and to honor all who have sacrificed for our freedoms.”

Ships in Pearl Harbor During the Attack of December 7, 1941

In addition to massive loss of life and many injured, many Naval ships were sunk or heavily damaged. Some ships were total losses, while some were able to be raised to the surface, repaired, and return to join the war against Japan and Germany. Below is a list of all of the ships that were sunk or damaged in the Attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as a brief note about their status after the attack.

Battleships

USS Arizona (BB-39) – sunk, complete loss, rests at bottom of Pearl Harbor.
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) – capsized, complete loss.
USS West Virginia (BB-48) – sunk, later raised to the surface, was repaired and then rejoined fleet July 1944.
USS California (BB-44) – sunk, later raised to the surface, was repaired and then rejoined fleet May 1944.
USS Nevada (BB-36) – extensive damage, grounded, was later repaired and then rejoined fleet December 1942.
USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) – in drydock at time of attack – some damaged, repaired and then rejoined fleet August 1942.
USS Maryland (BB-46) – some damage, repaired and rejoined fleet February 1942.
USS Tennessee (BB-43) – some damage, repaired and rejoined fleet March 1942.

Cruisers

USS Helena (CL-50) – major damage, repaired and then rejoined fleet June 1942.
USS Honolulu (CL-48) – some damage, repaired and then rejoined fleet January 1942.
USS Raleigh (CL-7) – major damage, repaired and then rejoined fleet July 1942.

Destroyers

USS Cassin (DD-372) – in drydock at time of attack – major damage, was rebuilt then rejoined fleet February 1944.
USS Downes (DD-375) – in drydock at time of attack – major damage, was rebuilt then rejoined fleet November 1943.
USS Helm (DD-388) – some damage, stayed active on patrol, was later repaired and then rejoined fleet January 1942.
USS Shaw (DD-373) – in floating drydock at time of attack – sustained major damage and was repaired.

Minelayers

USS Oglala (CM-4) – sunk, later raised to the surface, was repaired and then rejoined fleet February 1944.

San Francisco Fleet Week, the 2011 edition, is coming up soon and the Bay Area is abuzz with excitement and preparations for the arrival of the ships, the Sailors, the Marines, the Guardsmen, as well as Sailors from the Canadian Navy.

The ships will berth at various piers in The Embarcadero, and the Sailors, Marines, and Guardsmen will fan out across San Francisco to enjoy a week of shore leave to get some well deserved time off after long deployments.

San Francisco Fleet Week Parade of Ships

San Francisco Fleet week is also a Bay Area celebration of the men and women who defend America with parades, air shows, concerts and band performances, as well as a chance for the public to learn more about how our Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard works to defend us through ship tours, demonstrations, outreach and educational programs.

San Francisco Fleet Week 2011 Dates

October 6 to October 11, 2011

Ships and Ship Tours

Various ships from the US Navy, US Coast Guard, and the Canadian Navy will take part in the San Francisco Fleet Week Parade of Ships, and dock in San Francisco and many will be open to the public for ship tours.

In this guide you will find a listing of all of the ships that will be here, as well as ship tour schedules, and directions to where the ships are berthed.

San Francisco Fleet Week Events Schedule

Every year San Francisco Fleet Week features incredible events, demonstrations, concerts, and performances – with the highlights being the US Navy Blue Angels performance in the Air Show, and the Fleet Week Parade of Ships.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

11am – Parade of Ships 1st ship under the GG Bridge will be USS Carl Vinson at 11am. All ships will berth along the northern San Francisco waterfront
Marine Band performing at the Cable Car Turn Around in Union Square, then will march up to The Marines Memorial Club at 609 Sutter Street
12:30pm to 4pm – Fleet Week Air Show
9am-5pm – Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response Display on Marina Green
W Foundation’s Navy in Space Exhibit on Marina Green
Anthem Health’s Bringing Back Recess exhibit on Marina Green
2 to 3pm – First Marine Division Band – Pier 39
4 to 7pm – First Marine Division Band – LoveFool – Pier 39
6 to 7pm – Marine Band Concert at Huntington Park

Sunday, October 9, 2011

12:30pm to 4pm – Fleet Week Air Show
140th Annual Italian Heritage Parade – Military Marching Band,Color Guards, Marching Units – San Francisco’s North Beach -Powell & Jefferson Streets to Stockton to Washington Square, followed by a Band Concert at Washington Square.
9am to 5pm – Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response Display on Marina Green
W Foundations’s Navy In Space Exhibit on Marina
Anthem Health’s Bringing Back Recess exhibit on Marina Green
12 to 2pm – Navy Band Southwest 12-2pm, Mustache Harbor 4-7pm – Pier 39
4 to 7pm – Navy Band Mustache Harbor – Pier 39
49ers Salute to the Fleet – Candlestick Park, 49ers vs Tampa Bay – The Marine Band will be playing at the entrances while fans enter the stadium, The Coast guard will have a singer for The National Anthem for pre-game with two F-18s flying over. Halftime will consist of 150 future Marines/Sailors bringing out a large American Flag along with the Marine Band playing “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Following that, USN CF3 Captain Bryne will be doing a swear in on field for 20 future Marines/Sailors. Immediately after that, Air Force singer A1C Hokay will sing “God Bless the USA.”

31 Americans, including 22 Navy SEALs from the SEAL Team Six unit that killed Osama bin Laden, were killed in a Taliban rocket attack on an Army Chinook CH-47F helicopter in the Tangi valley of the Wardak province of eastern Afghanistan on Saturday.

U.S. military officials have confirmed the attack, and that the 22 Navy SEALs who died in the attack were from the Seal Team Six unit, but were not the same men that were part of the Osama bin Laden raid.

The UK Daily Mail is reporting that a crew from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment was piloting the helicopter, which included the 22 U.S. Navy SEALs, three U.S. Air Force air controllers, seven Afghan troops, a combat canine and his handler, a civilian interpreter, and the helicopter crew.

More information will be posted as it comes in.

FULL STORY UPDATE:

A helicopter has been brought down in a rocket attack in Afghanistan, killing 31 Americans. It was reportedly shot down by insurgents using a rocket propelled grenade; the Taliban have claimed responsibility. It is the highest number of US casualties in a single incident since the war began. A total of 38 people were on board the CH-47F Chinook helicopter.

Among those lost were as many as 25 Navy SEALs from SEAL Team Six – the unit that was responsible for the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in May. The helicopter, which was flown by a 5 member crew from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, was reportedly carrying up to 25 Navy SEALs, 7 Afghan Army troops, an interpreter and a dog.

The Special Operations Troops were returning from a night raid on the village of Jaw-e-mekh Zareen, west of Kabul, where they had been involved in a two-hour fire fight. They were reportedly on a mission to rescue a team of military personnel who were engaged in a battle with insurgents. The helicopter was fired on, and crashed in the Sayd Abad district of Wardak province, an area known for a strong Taliban presence.

President Obama was notified of the incident while at Camp David, and issued the following statement:

“Their deaths are a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our military and their families, including all who have served in Afghanistan. We will draw inspiration from their lives, and continue the work of securing our country and standing up for the values that they embodied.”

With these deaths, the total number of coalition troops killed in Afghanistan this year stands at 334. With the Afghan war reaching its 10th anniversary in October, an estimated 2,655 coalition troops have lost their lives in total. The deaths come as NATO is in the process of drawing down and handing control to Afghan forces.

The office of Afghanistan President Karzai issued a statement saying: “A NATO helicopter crashed last night in Wardak province. President Karzai expressed his deep condolences because of this incident and expressed his sympathy to President Obama.”

At a meeting of the Gulfport Business Club on August 2nd, Mayor George Schloegel announced that the USS Mississippi will be commissioned in Gulfport.

Mississippi submarine veterans have been lobbying the Navy, and the chosen site at the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor has been welcomed by them.

C.L. “Harv” Harvey, who served on Navy submarines in the Cold War, told the Sun Herald: “Every sub vet in the area is going to be thrilled. It’s a wonderful thing to have it named after the state and getting the commissioning here will be a tremendous boon.” Harvey said that local people had met with the likely commander of the sub, Navy Cmdr. John McGrath, and other officials, in their quest to get the sub commissioned in Gulfport.

The new Virginia-class submarine, measuring 377 feet long with a 34 foot diameter, began production in February 2007. The Virginia class is considered to be the ‘next generation’ of attack sub. Rather than a traditional periscope, it has two photonic masts mounted on telescopic arms. These house black and white, color and infrared digital cameras. The removal of the traditional barrel periscope means that the control room can be moved, allowing more room and an improved layout.

It can also launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and torpedoes, and has a control system that enables better shallow-water handling. The torpedo room is capable of housing a large number of special operation forces, along with their equipment. There are also large lock in/lock out chambers for divers. At speeds of 30 miles per hour and a depth of 800 feet, the Virginia-class submarine can carry approximately 135 personnel. Among the operations carried out by the Virginia-class subs are mine warfare, reconnaissance and intelligence.

It is anticipated that the USS Mississippi will remain at the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor for several days after the commission, so that locals can view it.

LA Navy Week is here, and there are lots of great activities in store for everyone as the U.S. Navy rolls into port and Sailors disembark for a week of shore leave.

Called Fleet Week in other cities, LA Navy Week is when some of the Navy fleet comes home for some well deserved R&R, and is a chance for the Sailors to relax after a long deployment – but for Los Angeles area residents this is a great time to tour some of the Navy’s great warships, learn about what the Navy has been up to, and see demonstrations of our Navy in action.

“There are many changes taking place within the US Navy at the moment. They are adding new ships, while others are touring to other countries. Recently the USS George H.W. Bush, which is an aircraft carrier, entered the Persian Gulf via Strait of Hormuz. Where is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it important? Why is this move important to the US and US Navy in general? As the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) entered the Straight of Hormuz, a former of CIA, named Robert Baer predicted that there will be an Israel-Iran war by September of 2011. Why does Mr. Baer believe there will be a war in September? What does the USS George H.W. Bush have to do with it?

Mr. Baer states many issues for this, including a falling media empire in the UK, the global economic crisis, and by how many US aircrafts are located according to a new map published. The USS George H.W. Bush, is the first US aircraft carrier to enter Straight of Hormuz in months. Strait of Hormuz is a strategically waterway located the Gulf of Omen (north coast of Pakistan and Iran)and the Persia Gulf.

The US Navy currently only has two aircraft carriers located outside of US boarders. The USS George H.W. Bush and the USS Ronald Reagan, they are both located in the middle east, on opposite sides of the coast. The USS George H.W. Bush, is the newest aircraft carrier. What makes Mr. Baer a creditable source?

He’s not like other CIA members. He wrote a book called ‘Syriana’, which was turned into a major motion picture, starring Hollywood actor George Clooney. Mr. Clooney won an Oscar by playing a character based on Mr. Baer in the film. Mr. Baer has had a long career, including a stint in Iran in the 1990s.

What would Obama do if another war broke out? Would the United States be a part of this war? What would this mean for all the soldiers (in all branches of the US Military) that are supposed to come home from war starting in September?”

The USS Philippine Sea recently had a chance to prove itself when it aided in the rescue of the ship Brilliante Virtuoso. Apparently, the Brilliante Virtuoso, a carrier for crude oil was attacked by pirates early Wednesday (July 6th) morning.

While the ship was able to fend off the attack, they still suffered enough damage to lead to a fire, and that is where the Philippine Sea comes in. While the Sea found no evidence of pirates when they arrived, they did find the Virtuosoâ€™s crew in a life raft a short way from the ship, and were able to save all 26 crew members.

“As more and more sailors decide to stay enlisted in the Navy because of the recession going on around them, the Navy will be letting go 3,000 sailors. These sailors will be lower ranked sailors. The cut backs will begin in August, after there is a review of 16,000 sailors.

These 16,000 sailors will have been in the Navy between 7-15 years, and will be ranked E-4 through E-8. The cut will effect all career ratings, over a total of 31 different ratings.

The review will take into account the sailors work ability, how their performance has been until the review, and if there has been any documented misconduct by the sailor. The reviews will come in three sections, the first will be sailors ranked either E-4 or E-5 which are the lowest ranks being reviewed. A further review of the rest of the rankings being reviewed will begin in August. The results for both reviews will be expected by November.

The retention rate for sailors rose .10% from 2005 until 2010, and the Navy is overstaffed in the 31 categories they are cutting back on. These fields include electricians and jet engine mechanics.The announcement was made in January that the war would come to an end by 2015 and that 27,000 active duty personal would be cut by that time in total.

This news comes on the heels of the recession, where the unemployment rate has been at or over 8 percent for the last 29 months. The current unemployment rate is 9.2 percent. The current recession is being called the next great depression (which happened in 1929) by some people.

Do you think it’s a good idea to lay off sailors, or anybody that fights for the USA? If so, do you agree with how many people are getting laid off? Some people think the lay offs are needed but that they should effect the whole Navy, and not just the specific ranks that are being reviewed.

The government could cut back on other things as well, instead of just the Navy. Why are they choosing to cut back on the sailors only, and not other forms of the US Military? Why not other rankings? Why not the higher ups within the Navy?”